Paxton Lynch

Paxton Lynch
refer to caption
Lynch with the Denver Broncos in 2016
Personal information
Born: (1994-02-12) February 12, 1994 (age 30)
San Antonio, Texas, U.S.
Height:6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Weight:245 lb (111 kg)
Career information
High school:Trinity Christian Academy
(Deltona, Florida)
College:Memphis (2012–2015)
Position:Quarterback
NFL draft:2016 / round: 1 / pick: 26
Career history
 * Offseason and/or practice squad member only
Career NFL statistics
Completion percentage:61.7
TD–INT:4–4
Passing yards:792
Passer rating:76.7
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Stats at CFL.ca

Paxton James Lynch[1] (born February 12, 1994) is an American professional football quarterback who is a free agent. He played college football for the Memphis Tigers, and was selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL draft by the Denver Broncos. Lynch played just two seasons in Denver and made four starts before being released prior to the 2018 season. Lynch has also been a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL), the Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League (USFL), and the Orlando Guardians and San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL.

Early life

[edit]

Lynch attended Trinity Christian Academy in Deltona, Florida, where he played football and basketball.[2] During his high school career, he passed for 2,099 yards. Lynch was rated by Rivals.com as a three-star recruit.[3] He committed to the University of Memphis to play college football.[4][5]

College career

[edit]

After redshirting for his freshman year at Memphis in 2012, Lynch was named the Tigers' starting quarterback prior to the 2013 season.[6][7] He started all 12 games, completing 203 of 349 passes for 2,056 yards, nine touchdowns and 10 interceptions.[8] As a sophomore in 2014, Lynch started all 13 games. He completed 259 of 413 attempts for 3,031 yards, 22 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also rushed for 321 yards and 13 touchdowns.[9][10][11] Lynch was named the MVP of the 2014 Miami Beach Bowl after passing for 306 yards with four passing touchdowns and three rushing touchdowns against BYU.[12] As a junior in 2015, Lynch again started all 13 games. He completed 296 of 443 passes (66.8%) for 3,778 yards, 28 touchdowns (all five school records)[13][14] and four interceptions. In Memphis' 63–0 victory over SMU, Lynch tied a Football Bowl Subdivision record with seven passing touchdowns in a half. He finished 9 of 14 for 222 yards, and completed his touchdown throws to seven different receivers.[15][16] After the season, he decided to forgo his senior year and enter the 2016 NFL draft.[17] Lynch graduated from Memphis in May 2016 with a B.S.E. in sport and leisure management.[1]

Lynch's 35 touchdowns in 2014 and 30 in 2015 are first and second in Memphis history, and his 76 for his career is second all-time. He also ranks first and second for most total offense in a season (4,015 yards in 2015; 3,352 in 2014).[18] He has four of the seven most passing yards in a game, including the school record 447 on October 23, 2015, at Tulsa.[19] He ranks second all-time in career attempts, completions, completion percentage, passing yards, and passing touchdowns.[14]

College statistics

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Season Team Passing Rushing
Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
Memphis Tigers
2013 Memphis 203 349 58.2 2,056 5.9 9 10 110.4 88 127 1.4 2
2014 Memphis 259 413 62.7 3,031 7.3 22 9 137.6 113 321 2.8 13
2015 Memphis 296 443 66.8 3,776 8.5 28 4 157.5 87 239 2.7 2
Career 758 1,205 62.9 8,863 7.4 59 23 137.0 288 687 2.4 17

Professional career

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Pre-draft

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Lynch was predicted to be selected in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft by draft analysts and in mock drafts prior to the draft. He was rated the third best quarterback in the 2016 draft by NFLDraftScout.com.[20]

Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Wonderlic
6 ft 6+5⁄8 in
(2.00 m) 		244 lb
(111 kg) 		34+1⁄4 in
(0.87 m) 		10+1⁄4 in
(0.26 m)		 4.86 s 1.66 s 2.81 s 4.26 s 7.14 s 36 in
(0.91 m)		 9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)		 18
All values from NFL Combine[21][20]

Denver Broncos

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2016

[edit]
Lynch with the Broncos in 2016

The Denver Broncos selected Lynch in the first round (26th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft in a pick acquired from the Seattle Seahawks for their first and third round pick.[22] He was the third of 15 quarterbacks taken, behind Jared Goff and Carson Wentz, the #1 and #2 overall picks.[23] On June 9, 2016, the Broncos signed Lynch to a four-year, $9,476,296 contract with a $5,091,852 signing bonus.[24]

On October 2, 2016, Lynch played in his first NFL regular-season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, replacing the injured Trevor Siemian. He finished with 170 passing yards on 14 of 24 attempts and threw his first career touchdown pass to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders in a 27–7 road win at Raymond James Stadium.[25] In Week 5, Lynch started his first NFL game, completing 23 of 35 passes for 223 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the 23–16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He was sacked six times, a record for a Broncos rookie.[26][27] In Week 13, Lynch again replaced the injured Siemian against the Jacksonville Jaguars, posting 12 completions on 24 passing attempts for 104 yards in a 20–10 win.[28] Overall, he finished his rookie season with 497 passing yards, two passing touchdowns, and one interception.[29]

2017

[edit]

Lynch suffered a shoulder injury against the Green Bay Packers in the team's third preseason game of the 2017 season.[30] In Week 11 against the Cincinnati Bengals, Lynch was active for the first time that season and was the backup to Brock Osweiler.[31] On November 21, Lynch was named the team's starter for the Week 12 game against the Oakland Raiders.[32] Lynch completed 9 of 14 passes for 41 yards and an interception that occurred in the endzone, the Raiders' first interception of the season. Lynch left the game with an ankle injury in the third quarter and was relieved by Siemian for the remainder of the game as the Broncos lost 21–14.[33] A day after the game, it was announced that Lynch would miss two to four weeks due to his injury.[34] On December 31, Lynch started the regular season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. In the 27–24 loss, he finished 21 of 31 for 254 passing yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions.[35]

2018

[edit]

Going into mini-camps for the 2018 season, it was announced that Lynch would serve as backup quarterback, behind the newly acquired Case Keenum.[36] Two days after the Broncos preseason opener against the Minnesota Vikings, the team announced that Lynch had been demoted to third-string quarterback as Chad Kelly was promoted to backup. He was released by the Broncos on September 2, 2018, after the team acquired Kevin Hogan. In two seasons with the team, Lynch made just four starts and threw four touchdowns and four interceptions.[37]

Seattle Seahawks

[edit]

On January 17, 2019, Lynch signed with the Seattle Seahawks after spending the 2018 season as a free agent.[38] He was waived on August 30, 2019, during final roster cuts.[39]

Pittsburgh Steelers

[edit]

On September 17, 2019, Lynch was signed to the practice squad of the Pittsburgh Steelers.[40] He was promoted to the active roster on October 11, 2019, following an injury to Mason Rudolph.[41]

On September 5, 2020, Lynch was waived by the Steelers during final roster cuts.[42]

Saskatchewan Roughriders

[edit]

On June 28, 2021, it was announced that Lynch had signed with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL).[43] He did not dress for games during the season as he was the fourth string quarterback and spent most of the time on the one-game injured list. He was released on February 22, 2022.[44]

Michigan Panthers

[edit]

On February 22, 2022, Lynch signed with the United States Football League and was selected with the eighth pick of the 12th round of the 2022 USFL draft by the Michigan Panthers. Lynch was the last of 16 quarterbacks taken in the draft and the only one to have started an NFL regular season game before being drafted.[45] He was transferred to the inactive roster on May 5, 2022,[46] with a leg injury.[47]

Orlando Guardians

[edit]

Lynch signed with the Orlando Guardians of the XFL on January 30, 2023.[48] In his Week 1 start against the Houston Roughnecks, Lynch completed 14 of 20 passes for 125 yards with one passing touchdown, as well as one interception before being benched for backup quarterback Quinten Dormady in the 33–12 loss. Lynch was waived on April 5, 2023.[49]

San Antonio Brahmas

[edit]

On April 5, 2023, the San Antonio Brahmas claimed Lynch off waivers from the Orlando Guardians.[50] He was not part of the roster after the 2024 UFL dispersal draft on January 15, 2024.[51]

Professional statistics

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NFL

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Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2016 DEN 3 2 1–1 49 83 59.0 497 6.0 2 1 79.2 11 25 2.3 0
2017 DEN 2 2 0–2 30 45 66.7 295 6.6 2 3 72.0 5 30 6.0 0
2019 PIT 0 0 0–0 DNP
Career 5 4 1–3 79 128 61.7 792 6.2 4 4 76.7 16 55 3.4 0

USFL

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Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2022 MICH 6 3 2–1 54 83 65.1 550 6.6 5 4 83.9 20 74 3.7 2

XFL

[edit]
Year Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Avg TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg TD
2023 ORL 5 5 0–5 65 109 59.6 737 6.8 4 1 88.4 18 68 3.8 1
SA 0 0 0–0 DNP

References

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  1. ^ a b "Bachelor of science in education" (PDF). Spring Convocation of the One-Hundred and Fourth Commencement. University of Memphis. May 7, 2016. p. 67. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 27, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2016.
  2. ^ Romero, Iliana Limón (April 29, 2016). "Denver Broncos draft Deltona Trinity Christian grad Paxton Lynch". OrlandoSentinel.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  3. ^ "Paxton Lynch, 2012 Pro Style Quarterback, Memphis". Rivals.com. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  4. ^ "On the precipice: Memphis football's elevation to new heights". Sports Illustrated. October 13, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  5. ^ Shacklette, Buddy (January 30, 2012). "Lynch commits to Memphis". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  6. ^ Stukenborg, Phil (August 10, 2014). "Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch making big strides". Commercial Appeal. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  7. ^ Linder, Brian (August 20, 2013). "Trinity Christian product Lynch named starting QB for Memphis". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  8. ^ "Paxton Lynch 2013 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  9. ^ "Paxton Lynch 2014 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  10. ^ Linder, Brian (August 30, 2015). "Memphis' Lynch looking to live up to hype". Daytona Beach News-Journal Online. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  11. ^ Davis, John (August 14, 2015). "Tigers continue to build behind QB Paxton Lynch". Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  12. ^ Taylor, Nate (December 22, 2014). "Paxton Lynch steers Memphis to win Miami Beach Bowl overshadowed by brawl". Sun Sentinel. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  13. ^ "Paxton Lynch 2015 Game Log". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  14. ^ a b "Memphis Football Media Guide, 2016" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on February 16, 2017. Retrieved February 15, 2017.
  15. ^ "SMU at Memphis Box Score, November 28, 2015". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  16. ^ Goodbread, Chase (November 28, 2015). "Paxton Lynch ties FBS record with seven TD passes in a half". NFL.com. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  17. ^ "Highly rated Memphis QB Lynch enters draft". ESPN.com. December 31, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  18. ^ "Memphis Tigers Passing". College Football at Sports-Reference.com. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  19. ^ "Lynch's career day leads No. 18 Memphis past Tulsa 66-42". ESPN.com. Associated Press. October 24, 2015. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  20. ^ a b "Paxton Lynch". nfldraftscout.com. Retrieved August 29, 2016.
  21. ^ "Paxton Lynch Draft and Combine Prospect Profile". NFL.com. Retrieved June 1, 2023.
  22. ^ Legwold, Jeff (April 29, 2016). "Lynch drafted by Broncos in first round of 2016 NFL Draft". ESPN.com. Retrieved April 28, 2016.
  23. ^ "2016 NFL Draft Listing". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  24. ^ Wolfe, Cameron (June 9, 2016). "Paxton Lynch signs a four-year deal with Denver Broncos". The Denver Post. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  25. ^ "Denver Broncos at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – October 2nd, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  26. ^ "Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos – October 9th, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  27. ^ Klis, Mike (October 9, 2016). "Falcons rattle Paxton Lynch, gash Broncos for win". USA Today. Retrieved October 10, 2016.
  28. ^ "Denver Broncos at Jacksonville Jaguars – December 4th, 2016". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved November 16, 2017.
  29. ^ "Paxton Lynch 2016 Game Log". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved April 27, 2018.
  30. ^ Jhabvala, Nicki (November 18, 2017). "Paxton Lynch set to be Broncos' backup QB vs. Bengals". Denver Post. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  31. ^ "Broncos' Lynch will serve as Brock Osweiler's backup". Yahoo! Sports. Associated Press. November 19, 2017. Archived from the original on November 20, 2017. Retrieved November 19, 2017.
  32. ^ "Broncos to start Paxton Lynch at QB against Raiders". NFL.com. November 21, 2017. Retrieved November 21, 2017.
  33. ^ "Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders – November 26th, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  34. ^ Legwold, Jeff (November 27, 2017). "Denver QB Paxton Lynch out 2–4 weeks with high ankle sprain". ESPN.com. Retrieved November 27, 2017.
  35. ^ "Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – December 31st, 2017". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved January 25, 2018.
  36. ^ Wesseling, Chris (May 1, 2018). "John Elway: Broncos not giving up on Paxton Lynch". NFL.com. Retrieved May 2, 2018.
  37. ^ DiLalla, Aric (September 2, 2018). "Broncos awarded QB Kevin Hogan off waivers, waive QB Paxton Lynch". DenverBroncos.com. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  38. ^ Henderson, Brady (January 17, 2019). "Seahawks sign Paxton Lynch as backup option". ESPN.com. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  39. ^ Boyle, John (August 31, 2019). "Seahawks Make Roster Moves, Establish 53-Man Roster". Seahawks.com. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  40. ^ Varley, Teresa (September 17, 2019). "Steelers place Davis on IR". Steelers.com. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  41. ^ Varley, Teresa (October 11, 2019). "Steelers activate Lynch, Edmunds". Steelers.com. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  42. ^ Saunders, Alan (September 5, 2020). "Steelers Release QB Paxton Lynch". Steelers Now. Retrieved September 6, 2020.
  43. ^ "Riders sign former NFL first-round pick, QB Paxton Lynch". Saskatchewan Roughriders. June 28, 2021. Retrieved May 21, 2023.
  44. ^ "Former first-round pick Paxton Lynch cut by CFL's Roughriders". National Post. February 22, 2022. Retrieved February 23, 2022.
  45. ^ Barnes, Evan (February 23, 2022). "Former Memphis QBs Brady White, Paxton Lynch taken in 12th round of USFL draft". The Commercial Appeal. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  46. ^ @USFLPanthers (May 5, 2022). "Roster Updates" (Tweet). Retrieved May 5, 2022 – via Twitter.
  47. ^ @USFLPanthers (May 5, 2022). "Game Status Report" (Tweet). Retrieved May 5, 2022 – via Twitter.
  48. ^ Boyle, Chris (January 30, 2023). "Paxton Lynch, Deltona Trinity Christian grad, signs with XFL's Orlando Guardians". News-JournalOnline.com. Retrieved January 30, 2023.
  49. ^ McKinstry, Tristin (April 7, 2023). "Brahmas: What San Antonio Has With Paxton Lynch". xflnewshub.com. Retrieved May 22, 2023.
  50. ^ Roberts, Zachary (April 5, 2023). "Former first-round NFL quarterback Paxton Lynch on the move again in XFL". sportskeeda.com. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
  51. ^ "2024 UFL Team Rosters". TheUFL.com. Retrieved January 22, 2024.
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